The remains of what experts believe may be an ancient mammoth have been uncovered in northern Bulgaria after the Danube River receded to a record low level. According to Bulgarian news agency BTA, a resident of Ryahovo village spotted the unusual bones on the exposed riverbed and alerted local authorities. Specialists from the Regional History Museum in the nearby town of Ruse examined the site and identified what appear to be a lower jaw, two tusks, and a possible mammoth rib.
The fossils are expected to be carefully removed and studied to determine their exact age and origin. Museum Director Nikolay Nenov said the discovery is scientifically significant and noted that the area was once believed to have been a swamp where the animal may have died thousands of years ago. The discovery comes as prolonged heat waves and drought have pushed water levels in the Danube and several major European rivers to historic lows.
